Leadership

Pastor Steven Lange

Pastor Steven Lange has served as pastor for over 30 years, beginning in Nebraska and then Kansas, before coming to Orland Park as a church planter in the fall of 1989. He is the only pastor Living Word has ever had, founding the congregation with five other families in 1990. His duties at the church are primarily to lead worship and teach many of the classes. He also coordinates the staff and many of our volunteers. He is married to Karen and they are parents of four and grandparents of six. As pastor he enjoys working with people of all ages from preschoolers, youth, young marrieds to older adults and our shut-in members. In his free time Pastor Lange is an avid baseball fan, likes to read and enjoys biking.

Vicki Vasta

Vicki joined Living Word’s staff as secretary in 2013. She had come in contact with the church through use of the building with a community group and began worshiping here about the same time. Previously, she has worked for seven years as a counselor in the mental health field. She also enjoys meeting and working with the wonderful and friendly people at Living Word. She is known for her friendly smile, willing attitude and friendly greeting to all who come in contact with her.

Rick Boehm

Rick and his family have been attending Living Word since 1999. All three of his kids attended Sunday School and were confirmed here and some of them also attended the preschool. Rick is currently Village Manager for Palos Park and volunteers for service activities here at the church as well. He currently serves as President of the congregation.

Anita Meier

Anita has been attending Living Word from the very beginning, and has been its primary musician throughout the years. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. Prior to Living Word, Anita served in other churches since 1973. She currently leads musicals twice a year at the church and gives direction to singers for worship each week. Anita is married to Gary and they have two grown sons and two grandchildren. “My intent for Living Word is that we grow in faith, hope, love, grace, charity, and forgiveness. If I can be an instrument through music and singing, I will be very thankful and praise my God and Savior for such an opportunity.”